(LOT 43)
1954 Topps #1 Ted Williams PSA 8.5 NM-MT+
TEDDY BALLGAME!!! The legendary Ted Williams' ultimate dream of becoming our National Pastime's greatest all-time hitter became a reality since most baseball experts label the Splendid Splinter the finest batter who ever graced a baseball diamond. Williams led the American League six times in batting average, four times in both home runs and RBIs, and 12 times in on-base percentage to ultimately earn his two AL MVP Awards. His .482 career OBP remains the highest in history. If not for rival Yankees Joe DiMaggio, Joe Sewell and Mickey Mantle, Williams could easily have been the first 4-time AL MVP, if not six-time champ. He is, you'll recall, the last person to hit .400 or better in a season, notching a .406 mark in 1941 at only 22 years old. For his career, Ted Williams hit an exceptional .344 with 2,654 hits, including 525 doubles & 521 home runs, while driving in 1,839 RBIs in 19 seasons, and he lost three to four years to military service. Incredible! This BoSox legend captivated the country as the greatest pure hitter and a heroic combat fighter pilot, the true embodiment of an American hero. The Thumper even managed to hit a home run in the last swing of his illustrious career, fitting for baseball's greatest all-time hitter.

With that in mind, we are proud to present this 1954 Topps #1 Ted Williams card that is analogous to his incredible batting numbers. While the first card in any set is subject to serious potential damage, including rubber band marks, edge wear, fading from sunlight, soiling or simple surface defects as a result of the card resting atop the pile, the offered example presents the most pristine qualities. Ultra-popular with collectors, the 1954 Topps issue included two images: a larger-sized color pose and a smaller black and white picture. Fortunately for Williams enthusiasts, both of his images include Teddy Ballgame holding his bat, with both of this offering's poses appearing immaculate. A blemish-free deep-orange backdrop projects Ted's batting images in a near-3D manner, with the well-centered illustration only slightly favoring the right edge between blinding white borders. Pack-fresh features include blisteringly sharp corner tips, fine edging, crystal-clear clarity, and impeccable surfaces, with all of these world-class attributes justifying the ultra-rare 8.5 NM-MT+ grade. This remarkable offering is a testament to Ted Williams' unparalleled legacy as the finest hitter who ever stepped into an MLB batter's box!

MIN BID $7,500
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